UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Programme Specification
This Programme Specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme
and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and
demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided.
Sources of information on the programme can be found in Section 17
1. Awarding Institution / Body
University of Central Lancashire
2. Teaching Institution and Location
of Delivery
University of Central Lancashire
3. University School/Centre
School of Journalism, Language and Communication
4. External Accreditation
n/a
5. Title of Final Award
BA (Hons) English Language and Journalism
6. Modes of Attendance offered
Full and part-time
7. UCAS Code
QP35
8. Relevant Subject Benchmarking
Group(s)
Linguistics; English
9. Other external influences
n/a
10. Date of production/revision of
this form
July 2015
11. Aims of the Programme







To provide a focussed but flexible programme of study incorporating key aspects of the nature
and use of the English Language, especially in media-related disciplines
To explore the factors which have shaped the news industries, predominantly in the UK but
also in an international context
To explore the skills involved in news gathering, reporting and writing in a range of mediarelated contexts
To explore the linguistic devices used to exercise power in everyday and institutional settings
To equip students with the skill to research and analyse written and spoken discourse using
frameworks from Linguistics/English Language, Journalism and related disciplines
To ensure the value of such study to the learner’s future personal and career development
To facilitate an independent, proactive and reflective approach to learning, which encourages
the development of critical thinking and reasoning skills

To enable students to acquire the necessary practical and theoretical skills to move confidently
from the course into a career in journalism or another field, or on to further academic study; and
encourage students to recognise the skills they develop throughout their course, including
transferrable skills.
12. Learning Outcomes, Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods
A. Knowledge and Understanding of
A1. The structures and functions of English;
A2. Basic concepts and analytical techniques applied in different levels of analysis;
A3. The role of language in society (including its interrelation with ideology, power and
subjectivity);
A4. Different theoretical approaches and models used in addressing issues surrounding language;
A5. Appropriate terminology in the study of language;
A6. Particular areas of the study of language as determined by the modules chosen as options;
A7. How a journalist works and what news is;
A8. How news is obtained and how it is written and/or orally-conveyed;
A9. The theoretical and philosophical frameworks used to study journalism;
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning activities will be used: these include lectures, seminars, group
activities, laboratory and class-based workshops, tutorials, independent reading and preparation for
coursework assessments. A final dissertation module will give the students the opportunity to
develop their own topic of research. The dissertation module can be applied and/or theoretical in
orientation, and requires critical engagement with both disciplines (English Language/Linguistics
and Journalism). This module is supported by a series of study sessions which cover a range of
dissertation and research-related topics (i.e. strategies for choosing a topic, methodology, how to
write a literature review). Students will deliver a paper or poster on the process and/or product of
their research findings at the annual Dissertation Conference.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of written
examinations, in-class tests, written essays of varying lengths, practical linguistic/textual analysis,
presentations (individual or group), assessed production of practical journalism work, timeconstrained assignments, a dissertation and dissertation conference. Portfolios, learning logs and
reflective statements will also be used on some modules as appropriate.
B. Subject-specific skills
Students will obtain the ability to:
B1. Describe and analyse major formal and functional features of language;
B2. Think critically about the nature of communication;
B3. Relate the wider context of language use to its historical and/or contemporary (social)
contexts;
B4. Utilise the language of scholarly discourse appropriately, in their written and oral
communication;
B.5 Collect relevant data in appropriate form according to the requirements of particular areas of
study, and with due consideration for ethical issues;
B.6 Acquire the research skills needed for both disciplines, and understand appropriate ways of
utilising such skills in related-disciplines (as a means of encouraging transferability);
B.7 Present and produce materials for newspapers;
B.8 Develop the required editing skills needed for a career in journalism (e.g. editorial and
information management).
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning activities will be used: these include lectures, seminars, group
activities, laboratory and class-based workshops, tutorials, independent reading and preparation for
coursework assessments. A final dissertation module will give the students the opportunity to
develop their own topic of research. The dissertation module can be applied and/or theoretical in
orientation, and requires critical engagement with both disciplines (English Language/Linguistics
and Journalism). This module is supported by a series of study sessions which cover a range of
dissertation and research-related topics (i.e. strategies for choosing a topic, methodology, how to
write a literature review). Students will deliver a paper or poster on the process and/or product of
their research findings at the annual Dissertation Conference.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of written
examinations, in-class tests, written essays of varying lengths, practical linguistic/textual analysis,
presentations (individual or group), assessed production of practical journalism work, time-
constrained assignments, a dissertation and dissertation conference. Portfolios, learning logs and
reflective statements will also be used on some modules as appropriate.
C. Thinking Skills
C1. Ability to exercise independent thought and judgement while engaging with other opinions,
theories and judgements;
C2. Ability to apply theoretical perspectives and appraise them critically;
C3. Skills of researching, selecting and interpreting information from a range of primary and
secondary sources, including a critical analysis of source material;
C4. Skills of critical reasoning and argument;
C5. Ability to think creatively and laterally, collate complex relevant information and derive ~
appropriate conclusion from it.
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning activities including lectures, seminars, group activities, laboratory
and class-based workshops, tutorials, independent reading and preparation for coursework
assessments will be used. A final dissertation module will give the students the opportunity to
develop their own topic of research, calling upon research, selection and interpretative skills and a
mastery of using primary and secondary sources. The dissertation module is supported by a series
of study sessions, which cover a range of dissertation and research-related topics (i.e. strategies
for choosing a topic, methodology, how to write a literature review). Students will deliver a paper or
poster on the process and/or product of their research findings at the annual Dissertation
Conference.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of written
examinations, in-class tests, written essays of varying lengths, practical linguistic/textual analysis,
presentations (individual or group), assessed production of practical journalism work, timeconstrained assignments, a dissertation and dissertation conference. Portfolios, learning logs and
reflective statements will also be used on some modules as appropriate.
D. Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
D1. Skills of independent learning: a high level of intellectual autonomy;
D2. Ability to communicate ideas clearly and fluently;
D3. Basic competence in the use of information technology to produce scholarly text and to
retrieve
information from electronic resources;
D4. Co-operative skills, including the ability to engage in critical debate while showing respect for
others;
D5. Ability to reflect on one’s own strengths and weaknesses and identify skills and areas for
development;
D6. Transferable skills including presentation skills, team work, working to deadlines, providing
feedback to others, persistence;
D7. The development of traits that employers value and/or are known to lead to successful
employment, including self-confidence, inquisitiveness, common sense, persistence, focus,
ability to communicate appropriately (according to audience and situation), and with
understanding.
Teaching and Learning Methods
A range of teaching and learning activities including lectures, seminars, group activities, laboratory
and class-based workshops, tutorials, independent reading and preparation for coursework
assessments will be used. A final dissertation module will give the students the opportunity to
develop their own topic of research, calling upon research, selection and interpretative skills and a
mastery of using primary and secondary sources. The dissertation module is supported by a series
of study sessions, which cover a range of dissertation and research-related topics (i.e. strategies
for choosing a topic, methodology, how to write a literature review). Students will deliver a paper or
poster on the process and/or product of their research findings at the annual Dissertation
Conference.
Assessment methods
Students will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a combination of reflective
essays, reflective journals, presentations, a dissertation conference, team working, employabilityrelated projects, critical review of presentations of others, written reports summarising reflective
journals, production of live newspapers, radio and online news production. The degree is also
designed in such a way so as to assess students’ employability and PDP development, via the
English Language Studies Initiative for Employability.
13. Programme Structures*
Level
Level 6
Core:
14. Awards and Credits*
Module
Code
Module Title
Credi
t
rating
LG3112
Power in Talk
20
JN3110
Newspaper and Magazine
Production
English Language and
Journalism Dissertation
40
Theory of English: Grammar
and Cognition
Contrastive Linguistics
Intercultural Communication
Advanced Pragmatics
Inside English Words
(Phonology and Morphology) II
History of English II (co-requisite
with LG2106 History of English
I)
English Dialects II (co-requisite
with LG2107 English Dialects I)
Investigating English Usage II
(co-requisite with LG2110
Investigating English Usage I)
English in Education (corequisite with LG2109 Child
Language Acquisition)
English Language and Literature
II
Philosophy of Language and
Communication
Forensic Linguistics
Student Initiated Module (not
timetabled)
Student Initiated Module (not
timetabled)
20
Either / Or
LG3994
Options:
LG3222
LG3223
LG3103
LG3104
LG3221
LG3106
LG3107
LG3108
LG3109
LG3110
LG3111
LG3113
LG3981
LG3982
40
Bachelor Honours Degree
Requires 360 credits including a
minimum of 220 at Level 2 or
above and 100 at Level 3
Bachelor Degree
Requires 320 credits including a
minimum of 180 at Level 5 or
above and 60 at Level 6
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
10
20
20
10
10
Ethics and Regulation
JN3025
Option/Elective providing
Work Experience:
20
Leading a Community Project
Level 5
Core:
VO3002
Options/Electives providing
International Experience:
20
FR3061
GM3105
SH3002
French Language
German Language
Spanish Language
20
20
20
LG2200
English Language Workshop II
(pre-requisite LG1200)
Framing the News
20
LG2112
20
Diploma of HE
Requires 240 credits including a
minimum of 120 at Level 2 or
above
Options:
LG2222
LG2103
LG2104
LG2221
LG2106
LG2107
LG2108
LG2109
LG2110
LG2111
LG2981
LG2982
JN2031
JN2033
JN2043
JN2049
JN2050
LA2913
PR2105
VO2003
AL2431
AL2432
AL2433
AL2434
AL2435
AL2436
AL2437
AL2438
AL2404
AL2301
AL2302
AL2303
AL2304
AL2306
AL2309
FR2001
GM2101
Print and Online Journalism
Practice
Foundations of English
Grammar
Sociolinguistics (e-module)
Semantics and Pragmatics
Inside English Words
(phonology and Morphology) I
History of English I (co-requisite
with LG3106 History of English
II)
English Dialects I (co-requisite
with LG3107 English Dialects II)
Investigating English Usage I
(co-requisite with Investigating
English Usage II)
Child Language Acquisition (corequisite with LG3109 English in
Education)
English Language and Literature
I (co-requisite with LG3110
Stylistics II)
Introduction to Rhetoric
Student Initiated Module (not
timetabled)
Student Initiated Module (not
timetabled)
Journalism Issues
International Journalism
Specialist Reporting
Advanced International
Journalism: Feature Writing
Digital Landscapes
Law for Journalists
Broadcast Media Training
An option/Elective providing
Work Experience:
Community Leadership
An Option/Elective providing
International Experience:
Intermediate French
Intermediate German
Intermediate Spanish
Intermediate Italian
Intermediate Chinese
Intermediate Japanese
Intermediate Arabic
Intermediate Russian
Intermediate Korean
Advanced French**
Advanced German
Advanced Spanish
Advanced Italian
Advanced Japanese
Advanced Russian
French Language and Society
20
20
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
20
10
10
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
SH2001
Level 4
Comp:
Core:
LG1220
LG1200
LG1102
JN1014
JN1016
JN1018
JN1033
German Language and Society
Spanish Language and Society
Introduction to English Syntax
and Phonology
English Language Workshop I
Introduction to Language and
Linguistics
Reporting Skills
Creating Content
Plus 1 of the following
options:Introduction to Book Publishing
The Business of Media
20
20
20
Certificate of HE
Requires 120 credits at Level 1 or
above
20
20
20
20
20
15. Personal Development Planning
PDP is incorporated into the curriculum in a number of ways. The modules LG1200 and LG2200
relating to the English Language Studies Initiative (ELSIE) are designed to enhance the employability of
the students and develop skills, personal attributes and achievements that can make students more
likely to gain employment and become successful in their chosen careers. Throughout these modules,
the students will be encouraged to identify their strengths and weaknesses and develop transferable
skills. In addition to these modules, the students will have the opportunity to obtain a Career Planning
Certificate as part of their dissertation module. The Certificate incorporates themes including selfawareness, opportunity awareness, decision-making and transitional learning (in terms of applying for a
job, and producing a tailored CV and covering letter). For the dissertations, students are also asked to
maintain a dissertation log, which should record the thoughts and experience(s) of the student during
the supervisory process. Students who produce excellent work in the dissertation module will also be
encouraged to submit a proposal to Diffusion, the UCLan undergraduate research journal.
Students will be encouraged to work for the University’s newspaper Pluto, and the radio station
frequency 1350. This will provide the students with opportunity to ‘learn by doing’ and enhance their
self-awareness and their self-motivation, alongside developing skills and improving their knowledge
base. These practical experiences will encourage students to be more pro-active in terms of pursuing
extra-curriculum activities and becoming more employable.
16. Admissions criteria
Programme Specifications include minimum entry requirements, including academic qualifications,
together with appropriate experience and skills required for entry to study. These criteria may be
expressed as a range rather than a specific grade. Amendments to entry requirements may have been
made after these documents were published and you should consult the University’s website for the
most up to date information.
Students will be informed of their personal minimum entry criteria in their offer letter.
- The University’s minimum standard entry requirements must be met by A2 level qualifications or
equivalent. Although we recognise the breadth of study AS levels present, we would not accept these
as forming part of your entry offer. Applications should be supported by a satisfactory GCSE
performance, normally consisting of five GCSEs at Grade C or above including Maths and English.
Specific entry requirements for this course are:
GCE ‘A’ Level: 280-320 points including at least B in English Language, English Language/Literature or
a cognate subject.
Or
BTEC in an appropriate subject areas - at least Merit overall.
Other acceptable qualifications include:
Scottish Certificate of Education Higher Grade
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Grade
International Baccalaureate
BTEC National Certificate/Diploma
Access to HE Diploma
In addition, candidates should normally have GCSE English at grade C or above, or equivalent.
Students whose first language is not English are required to have an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with 7.0
on all subscores.
Applications from people with relevant work or life experience and/or nonstandard qualifications are also
welcome.
17. Key sources of information about the programme


http://www.uclan.ac.uk/schools/languages_and_international/english_language.php
UCAS
18. Curriculum Skills Map
Please tick in the relevant boxes where individual Programme Learning Outcomes are being assessed
Core (C),
Programme Learning Outcomes
Compulsory
Module
(COMP) or
Level Code
Module Title
Option (O)
Knowledge and understanding
Subject-specific Skills
L6
Theory of English: Grammar
LG3222 and Cognition
O
LG3223 Contrastive Linguistics
O
LG3103 Intercultural Communication
O
LG3104 Advanced Pragmatics
O
LG3221 Inside English Words II
O
LG3106 History of English II
O
LG3107 English Dialects II
O
LG3108 Investigating English Usage II O
LG3109 English in Education
English Language and
LG3110 Literature II
Power in Talk
LG3113 Forensic Linguistics
JN3025 Ethics and Regulation
A2


O
Core
O
O
A3
A4
A5
A6





A7
A8
A9
B1
B2
B3
B4









B5




















































































































O
LG3111 Philosophy of Communication O
LG3112
A1



B6



B7
B8
L5
Newspaper and Magazine
JN3110 Production
English Language and
LG3994 Journalism Dissertation
English Language Workshop
LG2200 II (Prerequisite LG1200)
Foundations of English
LG2222 Grammar
O
O
Core
O
LG2103 Sociolinguistics
O
LG2104 Semantics and Pragmatics
O
LG2221 Inside English Words I
O
LG2106 History of English I
O
LG2107 English Dialects I
O
LG2108 Investigating English Usage I O
LG2109 Child Language Acquisition
English Language and
LG2110 Literature I
O
LG2111 Introduction to Rhetoric
O
LG2112 Framing the News
Core
JN2043 Specialist Reporting
Advanced International
JN2049 Journalism: Feature Writing
O
PR2105 Broadcast Media Training
O
JN2031 Journalism Issues
O
O
O












































































































































































































JN2033 International Journalism
O
JN2050 Digital Landscapes
O
L4
LA2913 Law for Journalists
O
English Language Workshop
LG1200 1
C
Introduction to Language and
LG1102 Linguistics
Core
Introduction to English Syntax
LG1220 and Phonology
Comp
JN1033 The Business of Media
O
JN1014 Reporting Skills
Introduction to Book
JN1018 Publishing
Core
JN1016 Creating Content
Core
L6 (cont)
Module
Level Code
Module Title
LG3222
LG3223
LG3103
LG3104
LG3221
LG3106
LG3107
Theory of English: Grammar
and Cognition
Contrastive Linguistics
Intercultural Communication
Advanced Pragmatics
Inside English Words II
History of English II
English Dialects II














Core (C),
Compulsory
(COMP) or
Option (O)

























































O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O



















Other skills relevant to employability
and personal development
C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
D1
D2
D3




 






 





 

































D4



Programme Learning Outcomes
Thinking Skills

D5
D6
D7































LG3108
LG3109
LG3110
LG3111
LG3112
LG3113
LG3112
JN3025
JN3110
LG3994
L5
LG2200
LG2222
LG2103
LG2104
LG2221
LG2106
LG2107
LG2108
LG2109
LG2110
LG2111
LG2112
JN2064
PR2105
JN2031
JN2033
JN2043
JN2049
JN2050
Investigating English Usage II
English in Education
Stylistics II
Philosophy of Communication
Power in Talk
Forensic Linguistics
Power in Talk
Ethnics and Regulation
Newspaper and Magazine
Production
English Language and
Journalism Dissertation
English Language Workshop II
(Prerequisite LG1200)
Foundations of English
Grammar
Sociolinguistics
Semantics and Pragmatics
Inside English Words I
History of English I
English Dialects I
Investigating English Usage I
Child Language Acquisition
Stylistics I
Introduction to Rhetoric
Framing the News
Print and Online Journalism
Practice
Broadcast Media Training
Journalism Issues
International Journalism
Specialist Reporting
Specialist Feature Writing
Digital Landscapes
O
O
O
O
Comp
O
O
O
Comp
Comp
C
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
O



































































































































































































































































     


   


































































L4
Note:
LA2913 Law for Journalists
English Language Workshop
LG1200 1
Introduction to English Syntax
LG1220 and Phonology
Introduction to English
LG1102 Language and Linguistics
JN1018 Intro to Book Publishing
JN1033 The Business of Media
JN1014 Reporting Skills
JN1016 Creating Content
O
C
Comp
C
O
O
Comp
Comp








































































Mapping to other external frameworks, e.g. professional/statutory bodies, will be included within Student Course Handbooks